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RailwayProjects – The Union government has put three proposed railway projects in south Kashmir on hold, responding to sustained concerns from apple growers and local representatives who warned that the new lines would cut through productive orchards and threaten thousands of livelihoods. The move has brought temporary relief to farming communities in districts where horticulture remains the main source of income.

Projects Halted After Local Concerns

The proposed rail links, including the Bijbehara–Pahalgam and Awantipora–Shopian routes, were still at the survey stage when opposition intensified. Orchard owners argued that the alignments would require large tracts of cultivated land, leading to the loss of mature apple trees and long-term damage to agricultural output. After reviewing these objections, the Centre decided not to proceed with the plans for now.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir already has an operational railway line between Srinagar and Baramulla. While additional routes had been considered to enhance connectivity, the Jammu and Kashmir government and elected representatives advised against moving forward with the new projects due to their potential impact on horticulture.

Impact on Apple-Growing Districts

According to officials familiar with the surveys, the proposed alignments would have passed through key apple-producing belts in Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag. These areas are known for high-density orchards that support not only farmers but also seasonal workers, traders, and transporters linked to the fruit economy.

Growers had repeatedly raised concerns that land acquisition for railway tracks would fragment orchards, reduce yields, and force families to relocate. Many also pointed out that apple trees take years to mature, making compensation insufficient to offset long-term losses. Their objections were conveyed through public meetings, memoranda, and representations to both local and central authorities.

Local Leaders Welcome the Decision

Shopian MLA Ali Mohammad Kullay described the decision as a significant step toward safeguarding the region’s economic backbone. He said the Kakapora–Shopian railway proposal had been officially cancelled after authorities assessed its likely social and economic consequences. “The alignment posed a serious risk to orchards and fertile land. A careful review made it clear that the costs to horticulture would outweigh the benefits,” he noted.

Political leaders across parties echoed similar views, emphasizing that development projects must be balanced with the protection of local livelihoods. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the pause offered much-needed relief to the region’s agrarian economy. She also called for farmers and local communities to be consulted at an early stage if similar projects are proposed in the future.

Credit to Political Intervention

The National Conference also welcomed the Centre’s decision. Party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar acknowledged the role played by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party Members of Parliament in raising the issue with the Union government. He said their intervention helped ensure that the proposed rail tracks between Anantnag–Pahalgam and Anantnag–Shopian did not move ahead.

According to NC leaders, the decision reflects a broader understanding that infrastructure expansion in ecologically and economically sensitive regions requires careful planning. They stressed that while improved connectivity is important, it should not come at the cost of established agricultural systems that sustain local populations.

What Happens Next

Officials have clarified that the projects are currently on hold, not permanently shelved, leaving room for future reviews. Any reconsideration is expected to involve fresh assessments and wider consultations with stakeholders. For now, farmers in south Kashmir say the pause offers reassurance that their concerns have been heard, even as discussions on development and connectivity continue.